ANNVILLE, PA — Have you ever wondered how you could better support our military personnel and veterans in Pennsylvania? Here’s an opportunity right within your grasp – a chance to lend a helping hand to the state’s heroes with just a few ticks on your tax form.
The 2023 personal state income tax filing season is upon us, and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reaching out to Pennsylvanians with a request that could bring about transformative changes for our military personnel, veterans, and their families. As taxpayers, we each have a golden opportunity to donate any portion of our tax refunds to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) and/or the Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF), two significant programs underscoring the DMVA’s unwavering commitment towards those who safeguard our freedoms.
“Pennsylvania’s armed forces, veterans, their families make impactful sacrifices for our country, our commonwealth,” states Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and leader of the DMVA, “The aid from these programs becomes critical when unexpected expenses prop up.”
MFRAP has been consistently helping Pennsylvania service members and their families overcome financial hurdles that occur due to unforeseen circumstances. In 2023 alone, the program extended a lifeline in the form of grants to a service member grappling with his daughter’s open-heart surgery expenses in another state and a National Guardsman falling behind on his bills due to pay delay and an accident. A family had their heater and boiler conk out on Christmas day, but the MFRAP was right there to soften the economic blow by footing the repair bill.
Over a decade and a half since its inception, the MFRAP has witnessed contributions surmounting $2.19 million from private donations and income tax filings. By the end of 2023, the program has successfully disbursed over $1 million in grants to military families in distress.
The eligibility for assistance extends to Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty for 30 or more consecutive days with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, or the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard. Those discharged for medical reasons can apply up to four years after a medical discharge.
Your contributions could be the very lifeline for a service member and his or her family weathering a financial storm. As you navigate the 2023 Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return Instructions Guide (PA-40IN), remember that your donation could bring warmth to a military family’s home, ensure medical treatment for a loved one, or keep their finances afloat during challenging times. It’s more than just a tax refund; it’s an opportunity to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice to our Commonwealth and country.
Additionally, you can send a check directly to DMVA-MFRAP at Building 9-26 Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003. Online donations can also be made at www.donate.dmva.pa.gov. Remember, your contributions are tax-deductible within the limits set by federal law.
Show your generous spirit and make a difference right where it counts. Your donation is not only tax-deductible but a beacon of hope for our military families.
To learn more, visit the official MFRAP website.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.